Geohelminth Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Children Living in Selected Shanty (Batcher) Settlements in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria
G. Nwokeocha Chinenye
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B.5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
N. C. Eze *
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B.5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Florence O. Nduka
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B.5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their associated risk factors among children living in some selected shanty settlements in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration: The study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis Rivers State Nigeria, between March to September 2015.
Methodology: Concentration Method (Sedimentation) was used to examine the stool samples according to Cheesbrough (2005). Questionnaire was also used to assess the associated risk factors.
Results: Of the 414 randomly surveyed children 27.1% had parasitic infections, four types of helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides (15.0%), Hookworm (10.9%), Trichuris trichiura (1.0%) and Strongyloides stercoralis(0.2%) were recovered. Multiple parasitic infections were not recorded, and result showed a significant difference in the occurrence of species of geohelminths (p=0.000). The highest prevalence of 39.4% was observed among children living in Diobu II location. Difference in location prevalence was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The males showed a higher prevalence of intestinal parasite infections (29.1%) than the females (25.0%). However, this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Age distribution of the prevalence of infection did not show a definite pattern, but infection rate was highest among 9 – 10years. This observed difference in prevalence by age was statistically significant (p<0.05). Comparing the distribution of parasites within the age groupings, hookworm infection was most encountered among 9-10 years while Ascaris lumbricoides infection was most frequent among children aged 7-8 years. Risk factor assessment showed that children who defecate on ground/field recorded the highest prevalence followed by those that use the pit latrine. The study also documented a very high prevalence of intestinal parasites amongst children who do not wear footwear.
Conclusion: Ascaris, hookworms and trichuris were recorded in the study; these parasites are found prevalent in Nigeria and associated with poor infrastructure and unsanitary habits. Males showed a higher prevalence of intestinal parasite infections than the females and multiple parasitic infections were not recorded. Open defecation and non-usage of footwear were associated risk factors in the acquisition and distribution of geohelminth infections among the children.
Keywords: Geohelminths, prevalence, multiple parasitic infections, associated risk factors.